Have Goalies Become Too Dominant?

The Wall Street Journal—October 20, 2011

Today, the goalie looms over hockey as if he were a giant green lizard.

The consensus throughout the NHL is that goaltending has entered a golden age. Goalies are more athletic. Their equipment practically blocks the pucks for them. There's even an advanced form of hip surgery that can rejuvenate their careers.

Goaltenders may also be poised to benefit from advancements in medicine. After sitting out much of the 2009-10 season with hip problems, Boston's Tim Thomas, who has twice won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goaltender, regained his acrobatic style of play last season, helping the Bruins win their first Stanley Cup since 1972. One possible factor in his renaissance: an arthroscopic procedure on his left hip.

Bryan Kelly, co-director for the Center for Hip Preservation at Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan, who performed the operation, said it gave Thomas increased range of motion and made him more agile. He said it's possible other goalies could extend their careers by having the surgery.

Read the full story at wsj.com.